Although I may agree on how important it is to look into the background/backyard of someone who is aspiring to be the next president, it would be best that one should be careful by not oversimplifying things.

In the case of Chiz Escudero, the alarming poverty incidence does seem to portray his capacity (or incapacity) to be a good leader. However, this alone can not fairly portray his actual ability to lead.

As pointed out, it is the entire Bicol region that is experiencing a 51.1% poverty rate, and I assume that emphasis was given to Sorsogon because it has the highest rate at 55.3%. Nevertheless, it is clear, that the entire region is experiencing high poverty rate and not just Sorsogon. This means, that the other neighbouring provinces (Albay, Cam Sur, Cam Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate) is probably just within striking distance.

I’ve been assigned to Bicol before for 3 years as a salesman. I could confidently say, that addressing the region’s poverty problem is not as simple as using one’s pork barrel as probably the case in some area. In Bicol, you have to contend with several factors that could affect the success of your projects or investments. Factors that often time are beyond any person’s control.

Back in grade school, I learned that one of the major factors affecting Bicol’s economic growth, ever since, has been the weather. For a region that relied so much on agriculture, being frequented by storms does not help in their struggle. I’ve experienced first hand how much this can affect the region. One storm can easily wipe out earnings from years of hard labor. Just imagine having them one after the other in a month.

Bicol, geographically is a large peninsula extending eastward from Luzon’s southern area. At the farthest end of that peninsula is Sorsogon. This places the province at the front of almost any storm’s path. And if the area luckily escapes the storm’s wrath, it could be still be cut-off should the storm devastates other provinces west of it.

I could go on and on with other factors that should be considered before making more valid conclusions or even insinuations of someone’s capability to lead. Factors like differentiating between the legislative and executive positions’ primary responsibilities, comparing the context in which economic growth is achieved and so on and so forth.

However, my point here is not really to defend Chiz nor even explain the conditions surrounding Bicol. It’s about sincerely promoting good governance and ethical leadership. The 2010 elections is just around the corner. I would like to believe that there are still more people who wants to hear statements, analysis or opinions strongly supported by facts and not just seemingly irresponsible tirades against political personalities. I, like many, am still undecided on who to vote for next year. We are looking for reliable and credible sources of information which can help us make the best decisions rather than be swayed by sugar coated lies, twisted half-truths, carnival campaigns or worse be left in despair to simply choose the lesser evils.

I might be reading too much on the purpose of your blog or even on the purpose of Kaya Natin! based solely on the movement’s name, but it strikes me as something that has a great and noble purpose. Good Governance and Ethical Leadership is something we are terribly missing for many years now. It may not be totally inexistent, but unfortunately the opposite is more prevalent. In my opinion, your cause of promoting good governance and ethical leadership can only be successful if you can provide people options surrounded by as many facts available as possible. If you or your group have more information than what we, the regular Juan dela Cruz, has specially on our current or aspiring leaders, I hope that in due time you would be brave enough to let everyone know. And hopefully, when the opportunity comes, we can say that we all made a well-informed decision.

I agree! I also heard that he is a chain smoker. If he doesn’t have the will to stop smoking, which everyone knows is bad for your health, how can he has the political will to pursue political reforms that the country need?

I fully agree with your observation re Sen Escudero on his own province. Sad to say, the Young Senator is a “NATO”.

NATO means NO ACTION TALK ONLY.

Do not fault Chiz Escudero if your place was not improved or recipient to dole outs like countrywide development funds.

The first problem is that being in the opposition, Chiz has no why can avail on these perk.

However, something abominable has happened after Chiz became Senator. We must realized that Chiz belongs to the opposition as Congressman. IN fact before he became a Senator, I was tingkiering the idea that he may be a good vice president in tandem of (Imaginary) predisent Peter Allan Cyatano.

I had these idea of imagining that they can be good President and Vice President since both are eloquent, intelligent and forthright. However, after being elected on the Senate, right away, they transfer their alligians to Manny Villar party NP. This brought the consternation from the opposition. Most likely, it was manny villar who finance their campaign expenses.

However, as the saying goes, Political affiliation ends when interest for the nation begins. But like hungry dogs, Peter Allan Cyatano Chiz Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada, rightaway bolted from the opposition. These thing really disturbs me. Right now, Peter Allan Cyatano is lawyering for Manny Villar’s C-5 extension scum, more than acting for the betterment of our nation as senator. He therefore does not deserve respect though he is bright and eloquent.

Now, for Chiz Escudero, associated with Lucio Tan is not condusive as Presidential Candidate. Being a dommy or stooges for people like Lucio Tan is not advantageous for our country.

Remember, under PGMA, the following are his backers. Lucio Tan, Aboitiz, the pier magnate (forgot his name), and a certain unknown. If such will happen, who knows if these people are the financiers of billions worth of smuggled goods.

According to the I.M.F. (INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUNDS), we had an import of 169 billion dollars last 2006, yet, the Customs could account for only 97 billion dollars. So, what happen to the 70 billion dollars worth of import, smuggled?

Chiz Escudero may be personally good, but by associating with Lucio Tan, is an undesirable candidate.

The issue may be true but only in local respect.What if Chiz see the problem from a wider perspective that is, going national where he will be able to address the root cause of the problem. He must be right although we can not be certained as of yet.

Rene

I am one of Sorsoganos and I believe poverty should not be blamed on Chiz. I have seen the poverty in my province but this was due to the fact that most people (particularly the poor) in my province are contented with what they have. Most of the poor don’t even work hard for them to earn more. Some of them don’t even have an ambition to uplift their lives, but, those who are ambitious works so hard and are living a good life. Thus, the poor are becoming poorer and the rich are becoming richer.

Have you also considered that most of these poor married on their early age and don’t even have the courage to go to college and take a degree? Considering that Sorsogon have a state college which they can go to school for free. I am a witness with this scenario which I think is beyond the control of the public servant.

I have travelled in other provinces in Country and I have witness the difference of the Sorsoganos among other Filipinos in the other region. Some of the Sorsoganos who are poor are contented with drinking of alcohol and doing gossip rather than working for their living. This might be one of the reasons why poverty is very much significant in my province.

So I think, if all of the Sorsoganos will start dreaming and acting for their future (like me), I believe that poverty will not be of a question.

Correct. He was a failure in his own province, I don’t think he will succeed in running a country. That is something we should magnify in the press. Not just his papogi tactics. Honestly, I don’t believe in the guy. He’s all talk.

LIP SERVICE!!!

His expertise!

If it’s true what Harvey Keh wrote here, it is a shame. Clearly there is a strong need for the Filipino electorate to take Senator Escudero’s promises with a grain (no, make that a bag) of salt. Come 2010 election, I’m going to seriously reconsider my initial plan to vote for Chiz. But I’m still open for renegotiation. It only depends on Chiz’s response on this opening of can of worms.

I’ve just found a chink in Senator Escudero’s shiny armour in Mr. Keh’s article. Thank you very much Mr. Keh.

Will this be Chiz’s Achille’s heel and will it also signify his downfall just like the Greek hero?

Well, I don’t know. But I still have high hopes for our country and for Chiz. I urge the Senator to do something about it if he still wants my support come Election Day.

I’ve been to Sorsogon a myriad of times and I could attest to Mr. Keh’s observation and presentation of facts. The place reeks of poverty. But Sorsogon still has the potential to rise above its state of penury if its leaders (per Keh’s suggestion also) would have the political will to act on this aspiration. Senator Escudero I believe in your ability to bring about real change in the Philippines. But if you can’t do the same to Sorsogon then I should say I may will have misgivings with that belief. I want you to lead this country as president (as is my townmates in Pangasinan) so please take the lead in the movement not just for change but for “change for the better.”

You know why Mr. Harvey? Pulse Asia Survey setting up standard on how people should vote.Sad to say by popularity.Whoever has the money like Villar, still Pulse Asia can make him look good despite the wrong doings he has done.A govt. servant who is doing a great job & would like to be a President,Gets only 1% rating.[Bayani Fernando] Ganyan ka baboy ang ating bansa.How can we correct this Mr. Harvey?Your asking Chiz about the whereabouts of his CDF? 200million/yr.? lets put it in a very conservative estimate assuming na hindi suwapang si Chiz,15% of 200million / yr CDF went to his POCKET.The Contractors call it SOP.Plus 60% GOT WASTED BECAUSE OF WRONG eNGINEERING pLAN.

I do not know if Chiz can really make. I rather suggest he stays in the Senate. He cannot seem “to walk his talk.” But, I hope he continues his campaign for good governance. At this time, the only possible candidate who brings dynamic entry into the higher post for 2010 elections is Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan who has expressed his intention to run for VP as independent. I have read an article about his platform at this link: http://www.maharlikantimes.com.
For now, he’s got what it takes to win the VP seat.

Job well done Mr. Harvey Keh. People aspiring for public office should look into their own backyard to help their own people especially the poor ones. I was born and educated in Masbate and our province is still considered one of the poorest provinces in the whole Philippines. Political leadership has changed from the Espinosa’s to the Koh’s
and now the people of Masbate are expecting the Koh’s to change the political landscape in Masbate.

People are tired of politics and they want
actions from their leaders.

Chiz is good only in chizmis

Many may not like President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but let’s admit it. Did majority of the Filipinos do anything when she took over the presidency by force?. The bottom line is the masses, the poor that the government or whoever wants to serve doesn’t care less who steps in. Chiz lip servicing is how the masses understand. You Mr Harvey use your intellect to make people understand — it is the people who don’t understand that drives the votes. With all those intellects “kuno” in government, only one comment you will hear from the masses “isa nanamang nagmamarunong”. Those people who understand what your saying with all those figures and statistics are the ones who drove Erap Estrada out and got Gloria Arroyo in. The masses will just play along with whoever is the president as long as they keep getting scraps…

i agree with harvey s. keh’s article. however, it wont be amiss to include the issue in regard to his family (the ESCUDERO) being a known crony during the marcos regime and more importantly, the real possbility of putting them back to power and/or influence. he knows it because he said it.

Mr. Keh has a valid point to raise against Chiz since he was a congressman of that province which also has CDF alloted to him. So where did all the CDF has gone to?

one of my best friends, who hails from sorsogon, has been telling me for such a long time that chiz is all talk and has not done anything for the province. so, totoo pala…

Even as I am also concerned about the incidence of poverty, whether in Sorsogon or in other parts of the country, I must say that it would be most unfair to make any judgment on Chiz’ “use” of any CDF. There is no indication in the article if the author took pains to inquire if there was actually release to the said district, or if so, then how much. Before any comment is made, it would have been better to ask the concerned legislator first. It must be remembered that the former congressman was in the House minority and this could have had a bearing on the matter.

i respect the opinion of the writer, but whats the purpose… just like what the writed said

“Given that he was a Congressman whose primary duty is to represent his constituency and enact laws for the country”

So is he to blame for what happened to Sorsogon. Besides ive been to sorsogon every year and enjoys its beauty and natural wonders. The most famous whaleshark watching can be found in sorsogon, and also bulusan lake that really amaze foreigners when they visit the place. The not so famous Rizal beach but can be compared to some of the well known beaches in the country like puerto galera and boracay (if developed into a world class beach)

It just happen that Naga, Camarines Sur, and Bicol had appointed a good MAYOR and GOVERNOR to serve their people compared to Sorsogon.

Kaya i cant say that the city has deteriorated… Im not a fan also of Chiz, but i think this in not the right way or to just publicize this kind of writings just to “downgrade” the reliability of a person.

[...] I checked further and saw that the poverty incidence of Sorsogon as a province grew from 43.5% in 2003 to an astounding 55.3% in 2006! In 2003, the NSCB estimated that there were 300,652 poor individuals in Sorsogon but in 2006, this has already grown to 395,434!” Source: The challenge for Chiz [...]

I believe that Harvey has hit the nail in the head regarding Mr. Chiz, aspiring for the presidency or even being a congressman. He has no moral right to be any of the above positions or even as barangay chairman. The Escuderos had long made Sorsogon their milking cow for their own self-interest and getting rich at the expense of their constituents and unless the people of Sorsogon or the Philippines wake up to who this person is really is, kawawa naman ang mga mahihirap whether in Sorsogon or in the Bicol Region or in any other region of the Philippines. HE HAS DONE NOTHING FOR SORSOGON EXCEPT MAKE THE ESCUDERO FAMILY RICH. He has done nothing for Sorsogon except appear during elections and sponsor laws that would benefit himself, his family and cronies. Magaling lang yan magsalita at maki-ride on sa mga issues at sa may perang kapitalista. To those chiz’ financiers, watch out, pera lang ninyo ang habol sainyo nang taong yan.

I agree with you that Chiz likes to criticize but so far has no big accomplishment to show when it comes to uplifting other people’s lives. He courts voters with his words, words that criticize to stir people’s emotions. Maybe voters should go beyond his words to look at his accomplishments. Action speaks louder than words.

I agree 100% with harvey. chiz has no executive experience, much less, the leadership to steer this country to prosperity. he doesn’t even have the experience to do it. hangang paporma lang naman yan si chiz and has effectively fooled a lot of people. dapat sa kanya damihan nya ang gawa kaysa sa salita. his provincemates are extremely poor. i know a lot of families there in sorsogon even ‘pimping” their daughters to businessmen just to survive 3 square meals. this is a shame! i urge the bicolanos to vote for people who are sincere and are after the welfare of the general public. i won’t vote for that fellow who really tries his best to look good in every media opportunity. what a shame.

You should know the fact that as an opposition in Gloria Arroyo’s administration, does not get any CDF at all, so you should not equate the current sad state of poverty in Bicol to Chiz term as congressman and as a Senator. The increase in poverty level is because of the rapid population growth. People who have no means of supporting themselves themselves propagate like rats and pigs. Our country really needs the reproductive health bill to help educate our people to be responsible parents and control the population explosion in our country.

Di ganyan kadali mag analyze ng situation… ive worked with NSCB fof 9 years and i know the integrity of that office… Matutulunga ka nga ng statisitics ng NSCB pero, tingnan mo naman sa reality what is happening talaga…. On my own opinion… I personally dont like Chiz.. Although Bicolano ako… pero, ayaw lang talaga ng mga taong grand standing…. Mautak daw, resunabli, pero may nagawa? Naku naman… Eto bata pa si chiz… may mga matanda naman.. sino ang masabi mo Ms. kaba or Mr. Keh na dapat magpatakbo ng bansa natin? You are a Director for Youth Leadership and social entreprenuershi? What do you know about Social Entreprenuership? And how is this question about that young politician from Bicol made you decide to be the subject of your column here? My piece of advice… Mag totok ka sa social entreprenuership… wla magagawa pakikialam mo sa mga pilitiko…. Focus.. nonoy/////nene

You observation is right. I’d rather dig the dead body of Raul Roco and put him to Malacanang as next president rather than vote for this corrupt province-mate aspiring for president who is only good in giving bad comments but cannot suggest a solution.

We Sorsoguenos are just laughing him off whenever we see him on TV talking as if he is the best. What he says are nonsense to us because we know his background. He won in our province because he was the highest buyer of votes. If there were no initiatives from him to work for improvement in our province it is because he has to recover the money spent during election.

I agree 100%. Lip service is not enough. Show us more action…

indeed! Mr. Keh is right. i’m a bicolano, & know that Chiz is only a new breed of trapo.

KOREK!!!

Chiz is just good in too much cho-cho, harhar…. indeed, just LIP service!!!

I think the people are getting tired of chiz “tulaero” escudero’s antics. He may look cute and believable in the beginning but not for long. He is one of those shallow senators who always rides on issues but have not done much in legislation which is what they are voted and paid for. Chiz Escudero are all talk and no work.. those who support these two please list down what have they done that benifited the entire country other than the exposes..
Ang tunay na leader ay nakikita sa gawa at hindi sa tamis ng salita.
If I were to choose I would rather have Bayani Fernando as president who walk the walk and have proven achievements unlike this talkative Chiz who is pure talk and no substance.

Medyo wary ako about Chiz Escudero. too young and yet, too traditional na ang approach niya that he’s probably the youngest trapo around. Ano na ba accomplisments niya? If leaders are graded by their media interviews, valedictorian si Chiz kasi kahit anong issue pinapatos… for what? Pogi points?
Pero ano nga ba mga nagawa niya para sa mga constituents niya sa Sorsogon, NADA, wala, bokya, Zero.

Dear Harvey,

I agree with your observation
about Sen. Chiz Escudero that he’s just a
a lip service, but the worst thing is that people believe his yakity-yaks and blah, blah, blahs.

it’s about time, somebody asks about your own backyard thing and i think that should also be a basis for voting for a good leader. keep up the good and vigilant writing Harvey. God bless…

That’s true, I’m not a big either of PGMA, but I hate Chiz Escudero - attacking government as if he can be a good leader - puro salita, kulang este wala naman gawa!

This is a very welcome article for the people.

It is this kind of information that public should know so they’ll be able to cast an intelligent vote - not the grandstanding media events they held in the Senate or in Congress.

Two thumbs up for you Mr. Keh!

I agree. That goes to all aspiring presidents. You should check your track records first. Although Fernando and Gordon is not doing good in survey, their track records shows as one of the best. Look at Marikina and Subic during their times. How about you Chiz

obviously, propaganda mo lang to. di mo nga inaallow mapost ang mga comments ng mga tao dito. kahiya ka naman.

well, obviously the main and only reason why mr. escudero failed to help his hometown to alleviate the proverty level - is that he never do nothing except to accuse the GMA administration of corruption, etc, etc, (together with the demolition team consisting of Cayetano, Madrigal, Lacson, Legarda)…
so as you have pointed out - how could he help improve the way of living of the whole country, if in his district he has done nothing to lower the poverty level…

Well said…

if a congressman is an opposition his pork barrel or cdf is being withheld by malacanang. that`s how gma used her power. but if you are her allies money in envelope will be easily handed over and of course malacanang will deny it even if videos and somebody has admitted receiving money from malacanang. was gov panlilio lying about the money he received? i do believe escudero is more honest and has the morality to be president than gma.

i don’tlike cheeze escudero , in fact am so much irritated for his kadaldalan in attacking the present administration. ano na nga ba nagawa niya at sa mga kababayana nya? sa mismong bakuran na lang pala nya wala syang maxadong nagawa, how much more if boung bayan na? we need a working leader not a talking leader…

I agree with you about what you said about chiz. im an avid admirer of chiz for his wit and mild manner posture. He is a charismatic leader who needs the support of the people. As we all know that he is eyeing the presidency, like what you said, he should first fix the mess in his own backyard before wanting to fix the mess in his neighbor’s backyard. He is not yet proven his worth. But i believe in his capability, he can make it. He should learn to prioritize things first.

I hope voters will not be misled by politicians who are very good speakers but in fact, most of the things that they are talking about are all baloney, half-truth, half-lies. Look at this supposed-to-be a good Senator Escudero, what happened to his constituents in Sorsogon. Instead of reducing the number of people living below poverty, he just keep on showing off his speaking skills and in fact, failed to help the people in his hometown to have a decent life. Where does the pork-barrel go when he was a Congressman for many years. Do you think he could improve the standard of life of all ordinary citizens of the whole country? Be your own judge.

I guess it is really a challenge for Chiz & to all Filipinos if they choose Chiz as their President. I dont have anything against Chiz but based on the article that I have read that he was a congressman in Sorsogon and nothing happened to his province. We know that Sorsogon is a little part of our country, Philippines. If that little part, he does nothing for 7 yrs as congressman, what we can expect that he can do for our country?
I guess, it is time for all of us Filipinos to really awaken for what is really happening to our country esp on the political side. Let’s us always be very careful in choosing whom we want to be our President. It is ourselves to be blame if we let our candidate wins the race and do nothing on his term as President.

iagree w the opinion of mr keh by the way my mother was from sorsogon and distant relative of sen escudero , who is very good in balagtasan less in action . anyway comes election day count me out now that you are with the party of danding . nasilaw ka na rin ba?

I agree

Hello Mr. Keh. Do you have comment/news about the coming big political fight in the nation’s capital - Manila, between Mayor Lim and Sec. Atienza and the reported third man in the ring Gen. Razon. Thanks.

This is actually the ways of some oppositionist. they keep on criticizing the government but hey, look at one of them. It is now coming out that he has not done his share. Maybe Senator Ewscudero has tell the people where he spent his pork barrel.

i would just like to say that if ur with the opposition the chances of you getting your cdf is virtually nil. i would think that since mr harvey keh has been observing our political system the last few years he would knw this by now or is it bec their group is pushing for another presidentiable? just a little background on sen escudero.. chiz was 1st elected during the 1998 election,he was with the administration of erap for 3 years and if it can be proven that his cdf for the 3 years dat he was with the admin was not use wisely or was use to enrich somebody then thats the time to attack him..but since 2004 he was already identified with fpj so i doubt if he was among the lucky congressman who wer in gma good graces…btw,so what if ur identified with danding cojuangco? dont believe everything u hear n read..

@Edgardo Marinas,
I suggest you read this article ( http://hindiakoto.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/the-relocated-jashs/ )so you’ll have a basic information about what Lito Atienza did when he was still a mayor.

Is it possible that his CDF all went to Grace Lee? If so, then in my view, that is still money well spent.

Francis Escudero hadn’t receive PDF eversince! How he could this be? Ask Andaya!

ask yourself!
ask andaya!
tanga!